The Changing of Russian Politics Liberal Democracy or Dictatorship?

Russia - A Closer Look n Population: Approximately 148,000,000 n Life Expectancy 57 years male57 years male 70 years female70 years female n Per Capita Income/GDP: $5,300/$796 b n Gained independence on August 24, 1991 n Leadership - soon to be determined

A Look at the Past n The ever strong communist regime n The effects of the Cold War on the dictatorship in the former USSR n Stalin’s focus on image-making would lead to the demise of the Superpower n People could take no more n Communism could stand no longer

The Fall of the Old Empire n Gorbachev’s policies of reform and its effects on the breakup of the USSR n The past is uncovered, revealing things such as Chernobyl, crime, corruption, and disbelief?? n Communist ideologies break the communist regime n “Image-making” and “quota systems”

Political Reform n Gorbachev led the former USSR into 1990 and political reform was inevitable n What went wrong in the end? n General mismanagement, and advisors with different solutions but not the right one n Incapable of disarming corruption

From Gorbachev to Yeltsin n Along with Yeltsin is the emergence of an electoral democracy n This is perceived as a revolutionary achievement in Russian history n Yeltsin is a key contributor to Russian democracy today n Yeltsin has instilled hope for future stability

Criticisms n There have been predictions of the collapse of the current Russian democracy n Many felt Yeltsin could not hold leadership for a second term

Criticisms cont. n A key point in 1996 was that any hopes of stable electoral democracy relied on the re-election of Yeltsin n A new leader would result in going back to old ways and ruin any hope of stabilizing an electoral democracy

Yeltsin’s Reelection n Yeltsin was able to prove people wrong and was able to build and further develop a stronger Russia n Because of Yeltsin, Russia is closer to a democratic country than ever before

Optimist vs Pessimist n Optimist believe that Russia is headed for a more liberal democratic consolidation n Pessimists see Russia headed for democratic collapse and possibly reverting to old ways

Yeltsin Steps Down n On the eve of the new millennium, Yeltsin resigns n The leadership was put in the hands of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin n Putin then called for new elections to be held on March 26, 2000

Survival of Russian Democracy n Proportional representation helped to create new party formation n Parties have developed well-defined platforms and loyal electorates n Shows some sort of stability in current Russian democracy

The March Election n Russia’s upcoming election shows great potential for future success with electoral democracy n Last reported there were 12 candidates in total, each promoting their campaign n It seems as though Putin dominates the race so far, when last polled with 60& support followed by Mr. Zyuganov 20%

Russian Politics and Corruption n How much influence does corruption have on Russian Democracy and the current election? n Corruption is evident in the system which prevents liberal democracy n Talks of candidate’s connections may sway the vote in their favor

Corruption cont. n How much can some candidates sway or force voters to vote in their favor? n Criticism of corrupt practices which still exist in Russia –may interfere with voter practices n As a result, unfair elections which alter the democratic practice

Conclusion n In comparing the optimists and the pessimists, it may be concluded that they may both be wrong n Democratic rule in Russia seems to be stable for the next few years n But consolidation of liberal democracy is not in the near future

Conclusion cont. n The old style dictatorship has been used for centuries, but has now been replaced n On a positive note, Russian democracy is stronger then it has ever been n The current election is a good step in ensuring strength and stability in Russian politics